Milan-Sanremo - Race Overview

Daryl Impey was the best placed rider for ORICA-GreenEDGE at Milan-Sanremo on Sunday. The South African finished in 49th place, 3’50 behind the 25 strong group that contested the bunch finish. Alexander Kirstoff (Katusha) emerged as a surprise winner in Sanremo ahead of Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing) and Ben Swift (Team Sky).

The longest race of the year was once again weather-affected. Sporadic drizzle and cool temperatures at the started turned into steady rain, wind, cold and hail by the time the peloton reached the cost. Mid-day sunshine and blue skies in Sanremo gave way to thunderstorms by mid-afternoon.

The Australian outfit began the day with high hopes, and the long journey from Milan unfolded as planned during the early action. With a seven rider breakaway up the road, ORICA-GreenEDGE looked to other teams to control and chase as they conserved energy for the finale in which they intended to look after Michael Matthews.

By the time the race hit the Cipresso, only Luke Durbridge, Simon Clarke and Daryl Impey remainined in contention. Over the Cipresso, Impey would emerge as the lone survivor of the ORICA-GreenEDGE eight. Having lost contact with the front group on the Cipresso, Impey fought hard to reconect with the bunch only to fall off pace again on the Poggio.

“No excuses. We suffered in the cold – but so did everyone else. The weather certainly impacted the race. Of course it’s disappointing, but if anyone had the legs today, they would have been there. They did all they could, but it didn’t amount to much. The fitness is there and the form is there. It just didn’t come together for us today.” - Sport Director Matt White